Durban drivers vow to disrupt elections

Published Jul 23, 2016

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Durban - Striking Durban bus drivers said on Friday if their demands were not met they would disrupt next month's municipal elections, and would not vote.

Thousands of commuters were stranded. It is not known when it will end.

The drivers are striking over a pay dispute and general working conditions. On Friday after a meeting at the uMlazi depot with DA Provincial leader, Zwakele Mngcwango, they said they would meet on Monday at the city's main depot to discuss the matter further.

Mngcwango, who is a councillor of eThekwini Municipality, and on the executive committee, and who was asked by the striking bus drivers to address them, told them their vote was their voice and they should not waste it.

Last night the municipality said it was engaging with the private operator, Transnat, and employee union representatives.

The council had resolved to establish an entity that would have taken over bus operations with effect from July 1.

“However, the municipality has had to respond to two new developments which included the appointment of a new MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison in KwaZulu-Natal who asked to be given sufficient time to look into the matter.

“The city has also received a letter from the National Treasury asking the city to supply more information pertaining to the planned municipal entity.

“The relevant information was subsequently supplied to National Treasury,” the statement said.

It apologised to commuters for the inconvenience and urged them to make alternative travel arrangements during the interruption of the bus service while the city worked to ensure that operations resumed soon.

driving his point: The leader of the DA in KwaZulu-Natal, Zwakele Mngcwango, left, addresses striking bus drivers at the uMlazi depot yesterday.

Independent on Saturday

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